LONDON: A joint committee between the Malaysian and United Kingdom franchise associations will be established to enhance cooperation, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the committee is necessary to provide more market exposure for Malaysian companies.
"We believe there is significant potential for Malaysian companies to establish and expand their franchises in the UK, especially in halal products such as food and beverages, education, cosmetics, and traditional Malay medicine.
"The committee must be formed immediately, and I will monitor its performance every six months through the cabinet committee on franchise, which I chair," he told reporters after launching Visit Malaysia 2026 in London on Tuesday (June 3).
Ahmad Zahid said the decision followed a dialogue session with franchise players from Malaysia and the UK towards the end of his working visit to Britain.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who also held a dialogue session with tourism industry players in Britain, emphasised the importance of engaging with various industry parties rather than solely relying on government-to-government talks.
"What is more important is business-to-business as well as people-to-people engagements. I believe such engagements will significantly impact both the country and Britain," he said.
